Get in Melbourne's face: Hodges to Broncos

Sep 20, 2017 - 5:29 PM
The same gameplan that shocked Melbourne and delivered Brisbane their last NRL title in 2006 can still work in Friday night's preliminary final against the Storm, Justin Hodges says.

Broncos great Hodges said Parramatta gave Melbourne an almighty qualifying final scare two weeks ago using the same 'in your face' approach that sealed Brisbane's sixth premiership 11 years ago.

The Broncos are desperate to end their longest premiership drought but have been written off against a Melbourne side that have dominated the season.

However, ex-skipper Hodges believes Brisbane won't have to look far for a winning blueprint against the minor premiers.

"When Parramatta played them they (Eels) were so aggressive, they didn't respect them," Hodges told Fox Sports' Queenslanders Only.

"They threw them around, and that's what you've got to do with the Storm.

"Yeah they have some great players but you can't respect them on the field.

"They are just another team, you have to take that away - that's what we did in 2006."

Hodges said Brisbane must overcome an age old Storm tactic to win the latest round of their rivalry.

Melbourne's use of wrestling tactics has caused a rift between former good mates, Storm coach Craig Bellamy and Brisbane master mentor Wayne Bennett over the years.

Hodges, though reckons there should be no dramas with Melbourne's much-despised tactic.

"It's their wrestle. It's how they play the game," he said.

"Broncos like to play a fast, free flowing style of football.

"But Melbourne have come up with their beautiful tactic.

"There's nothing wrong with it. They obviously like to control the ruck and slow it down."

Hodges said the 2006 grand final won 15-8 by Brisbane began what he believed was one of the great rugby league rivalries.

"It's just one of those rivalries. In the 1990s it was the Broncos and Raiders and now it's the Broncos and the Storm," he said.

"We've played some great games and it all goes back to 2006 - I am sure Friday night will be no different."